Multiple Choice
In which cellular compartment are lipids synthesized?
8. Membrane Structure
The Lipid Bilayer
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Of the following movements a lipid can do in a membrane, which is the most rare?
A
Traverse diffusion
B
Lateral diffusion
C
Flippase diffusion
D
Rotational diffusion
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the types of lipid movements in a membrane: Lipids in a biological membrane can move in several ways, including lateral diffusion, rotational diffusion, and transverse diffusion (also known as flip-flop).
Lateral diffusion refers to the movement of lipids within the same layer of the membrane. This type of movement is quite common and allows lipids to move rapidly within the plane of the membrane.
Rotational diffusion involves the spinning of lipids around their axis. This movement is also relatively common and allows lipids to adjust their orientation within the membrane.
Transverse diffusion, or flip-flop, involves the movement of lipids from one leaflet of the bilayer to the other. This movement is rare because it requires the polar head group of the lipid to pass through the hydrophobic core of the membrane, which is energetically unfavorable.
Flippase diffusion is not a standard term for lipid movement. However, flippases are enzymes that facilitate the transverse diffusion of specific lipids, making this process more common than it would be otherwise, but still less frequent than lateral or rotational diffusion.
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